Hi All!

 

I am adding a BFS setup to the arsenal this summer. I have seen some solid reviews and recos on the Kast King Zephyr reel. Seems to be a good option for a budget reel, and it ships to US locations right now.

 

I am looking for some feedback on rod options however. I know that Diawa and some other JDM manufactures are best in class. However, its been difficult to get them to ship to the US right now. Also not sure it makes sense to pair at 300$ rod with a budget reel.

 

Are there any recommendations from the community on some other rods that may pair well and are also able to ship to US locations? Hoping to keep that in the 100-200$ range! Toss out anything you have heard, I would love to do some further research on my own!!

 

Thanks everyone

 

Look at Bass Pro Shops Maxx crappie casting rod. It’s $30, light action 6’6. I have one similar to that rod from Okuma with specs similar. 

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-crappie-maxx-signature-series-crappie-casting-rod-100828971

I have a Shimano Sensilite 7’ light fast tip rod. It was $49 and no joke, is really nice. I bought it to enter cheaply in the  BFS zone, but I am 100% happy with it. It’s definitely not a whippy trout UL.

I think people refer to them as bass BFS.

The Major Craft Benkei is a nice rod.  I have a spinning model I got last year, but the only time I got out with it was a bust.  Or they have more expensive lines if you prefer.  From what I've read I think another option would be a Phenix Feather.  Everyone says they fish light.  The 7'1" LF is rated 1/8-3/8 oz.  I'd bet it will handle lighter.

3 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

The Major Craft Benkei is a nice rod.  I have a spinning model I got last year, but the only time I got out with it was a bust.  Or they have more expensive lines if you prefer.  From what I've read I think another option would be a Phenix Feather.  Everyone says they fish light.  The 7'1" LF is rated 1/8-3/8 oz.  I'd bet it will handle lighter.

I agree that in general, Phenix Feathers fish about a half power less than their stated rating. However, the 7’1” MLF Feather is rated at 1/4-5/8. I know all manufacturer’s ratings vary, but that weight is closer to many Medium rods... and having used mine for 3 years now, I think the MLF fishes more like a Medium. 
 

I have actually thrown a 1/16 oz Hair Jig with a Daiwa Air TW BFS reel on the Feather MLF and it’s ok but again more like a Medium. If the BFS rod I ordered doesn’t arrive soon, I may instead order a 7’1” LF Feather to see if it is on par with rods specifically meant for BFS.  I think it may work well  for what I need and the price point is pretty good. 

3 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

I agree that in general, Phenix Feathers fish about a half power less than their stated rating. However, the 7’1” MLF Feather is rated at 1/4-5/8. I know all manufacturer’s ratings vary, but that weight is closer to many Medium rods... and having used mine for 3 years now, I think the MLF fishes more like a Medium. 
 

I have actually thrown a 1/16 oz Hair Jig with a Daiwa Air TW BFS reel on the Feather MLF and it’s ok but again more like a Medium. If the BFS rod I ordered doesn’t arrive soon, I may instead order a 7’1” LF Feather to see if it is on par with rods specifically meant for BFS.  I think it may work well  for what I need and the price point is pretty good. 

  If you reread my post, you will see that I specified the 7'1" LF.

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

  If you reread my post, you will see that I specified the 7'1" LF.

Yep, I mentioned at the end of my post that I'd like to try the 7'1" Light Fast... and if my other BFS rod doesn't arrive soon I may buy the Phenix and give you a review  

On 3/18/2021 at 10:47 AM, new2BC4bass said:

From what I've read I think another option would be a Phenix Feather.  Everyone says they fish light.  The 7'1" LF is rated 1/8-3/8 oz.  I'd bet it will handle lighter.

I did end up getting the Phenix Feather Light... I also tried the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Light but sent it back. I think the Sierra would be very good for the lightest 1/16th oz lures. However, I was surprised I could cast a 1/16th oz hair jig on the Feather just as far... So to answer your question - yes, it can cast lighter lures. The difference is I can also cast a 1/8 oz Ned on the Feather where I would not with the Sierra. Worth noting the reel I used is a Daiwa Air TW and it can cast super light stuff on about anything.  But bottom line I think the Feather Light is more versatile for bass finesse fishing than the Sierra.